Open enrollment begins for 2009

Robert Nesmith
Communications
& Marketing

Tech faculty and staff members have access to a comprehensive package of benefits designed to meet various personal needs and goals.

Beginning Oct. 6, Open Enrollment allows employees to review their current benefit elections, assess current needs and make decisions regarding benefits, accordingly. Due to the number of changes—many positive—Tech employees will want to pay close attention during the Open Enrollment period this year.

During annual Open Enrollment, Institute employees can access their benefit plans via TechWorks to learn more about the options, and either confirm the benefits package they currently have or make changes to their health, dental and life insurance plans, as well as Flexible Spending Accounts. A brochure regarding benefit offerings and changes has been mailed to each faculty and staff member’s home address.

Some changes for 2009 include:

— A significant increase in the employee premium for the Board of Regents (BOR) Indemnity Plan. Effective January 2009, premiums will increase by 99 percent due to a change in the pricing philosophy by the Board. However, changes to the PPO and the HSA PPO (formerly the High-Deductible Health Plan, or HDHP) will make these two plans a more attractive option to consider for those currently in the Indemnity Plan.

— The BOR PPO network plan will change to the BlueCross BlueShield National PPO network and will have a 7.5 percent premium increase for 2009. Unlike previous years’ plans, international coverage will now be provided at the in-network level with an annual deductible of $300 for individual coverage or $900 for family coverage, and a coinsurance of 90/10, meaning the provider pays 90 percent while the participant pays 10 percent of eligible charges.

— A new unlimited wellness benefit will be offered for the HSA PPO plan (formerly the HDHP plan) for services recommended by the American Medical Association relative to age and gender. Premiums will increase by 5 percent. U.S. Bank will administer the plan’s health savings account, to which employees can contribute via pre-tax payroll deductions.

— Medco will be the new pharmacy benefit provider for the Indemnity and PPO plans. The plan’s formulary will change. Plan holders can use access code BORRXPLN14383 on Medco’s Web site to check if their existing medications are covered at the preferred brand copay.

— HMO provider Kaiser Permanente has expanded its coverage area to include Savannah, Macon, Columbus and Athens. Employee premiums will increase by 3.9 percent. The HMO provided by BlueCross BlueShield will see a 6.5 percent increase in premiums.

— MetLife will be the new service provider for the BOR Dental Plan. Employee premiums will not increase in 2009. Participants can use any dentist, but visiting an in-network dentist will result in lower office and procedure fees. Those currently enrolled in the BOR plan will continue in the plan unless a change is made. Those who are not currently enrolled in the plan will be able to sign up for 2009 during Open Enrollment.

— Premiums on long-term and short-term disability plans will both decrease substantially in 2009.

— The new Georgia Tech 403(b) plan will begin Jan. 1, 2009, using two top-tier service providers, Fidelity and TIAA-CREF. New services as well as a strong line-up of investment options will be available. Contributions to providers other than the two chosen will stop effective Dec. 31. To enroll in either Fidelity or TIAA-CREF, contact their representatives directly.

Faculty and staff members are encouraged to visit TechWorks for more detailed information on all the plan changes.

Human Resources will hold a Benefits Fair in the Student Center Ballroom on Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and informational forums will be held throughout Open Enrollment. Visit TechWorks for specific dates and times. For other questions and information, e-mail benefits@ohr.gatech.edu.